Standing in
front of an unassuming building, I look up to see its sheer size. Still, it’s inconspicuous
because it looks exactly like all the other buildings surrounding it.

The sun
breaks out just behind the brick building, casting the entrance into shadow.

Funny,
that. Because I’ve been living in the shadows all my life. Now is the time for
me to come out of the shadows, and speak my truth.

Speak
our truth.

There’s a
line of cars in front of the building, all marked with the same lettering.

My heart
beats quickly as a shock of finality runs through my veins.

This is
where part of me will die and another part of me will live.

All my life
I’ve been worried about what people think of me. But I can’t continue on in a
life where I’m only breathing. I need to learn to live.

I take
several deep breaths, ready to cross the street and take the leap I’ve been
longing for.

“You can do
this,” I say to myself. The sun is moving higher, the shadow becoming smaller.

Yes, you
can.

I look to
my left, and to my right, checking for oncoming cars.

I keep
walking, crossing the street. I know if I stop for even a second, I’ll talk
myself out of going.

You can
do it.

I walk
until I come to the automated doors that slowly slide open.

Hopefully,
they’ll believe you.

I head to
the counter, where a woman with dark hair pulled back in a severe ponytail and
wearing a uniform is working on a computer. She looks up, but remains seated.
“Can I help you?” she says in a flat voice.

My hands
tremble, so I knit them together to stop the emotion bursting to come forward.

“I, um,” my
voice quivers with uncertainty.

“Are you
okay?” She stands and comes closer to the counter. She looks behind me,
searching for a hint as to why I’m so edgy.

“I, um,
need to talk to the police unit who deals with sexual abuse.”

Author Bio

STRONG, BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS
CHARACTERS.

**Write something worth reading**

I'm Margaret and I'm a self-published author.

Recently I was
fortunate in obtaining New York Times best-selling status on my YA/NA book -
Ugly, and my YA book - Mistrust.

My last six books have been YA and I'm completely in love with the genre. I
love being able to communicate with people through my words and stories.

My writing genres all differ, but the one thing I keep consistent is my
heroines. All my female lead characters are strong, gutsy and not the 'perfect'
woman. While my books all have romantic elements in them, they aren't just
about the romance. They're about finding strength, acceptance and making life
long connections.